Sam L. Woods

Samuel "Sam" Woods, 97, of Aberdeen, passed away Sunday, October 20, 2013, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen, SD.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, October 24, 2013, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 409 3rd Avenue SE, Aberdeen, with Father Shane D. Stevens, Celebrant. Burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Rites being conducted by the Sidney L. Smith American Legion Post #24 of Aberdeen.

Schriver's Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements. Friends may sign his online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, at the mortuary with a Liturgical Wake Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues for one hour prior to Mass at the church.

Samuel L. Woods was born September 4, 1916, the son of Rex E. and Ruby (Sherman) Woods in Augusta, Montana. He grew up and received his education in Montana.

He married Dorothy Schuster on October 23, 1943 in Great Falls, Montana. The family moved to Aberdeen in 1962 where they resided, worked, volunteered, and raised their five children.

Sam enlisted in the Army in 1943, serving his country during WWII as a member of the Army Air Core in Alaska.

Dad began his working career for Central Machinery in Lewistown, MT and also owned and operated a meat locker. In1962, he began his career as a territory representative for Massey-Ferguson, retiring in 1980.

Sam was a member of Sacred Heart Church. He volunteered for many church functions and enjoyed playing the "bishop" at some of them. He served on the Brown County Commission from 1985-1989.

Dad enjoyed life, especially the time spent with his wife dancing, traveling, and enjoying each other's company. He was a devoted, loving, family man, giving and sharing his many life stories with his kids, grandkids, and whoever else would listen. Christmas was a special time as the whole "crew" would be home in Aberdeen to celebrate. He loved to play cards, especially pinochle, cribbage, and rummy. While at Davis Court, he and his friend Mike Traxinger never missed a day playing a game or two.

Preceding him in death are his parents; wife, Dorothy; daughter, Diane Swisher; four brothers; three sisters; daughter-in-law, Mary Lou Woods; and grandchildren, Megan Squire, and Michael and Michelle Woods.

Sam is survived by four children: Douglas (Val) of Cherokee, IA, Darrel (Patti) of Phoenix, AZ, Debbie Squire (Kip) of Bennington, NE, and David (Mary Jo) of Aberdeen, SD; a brother, Rex E. Jr. (Jean) Woods of Simms, MT; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren, and many other nieces and nephews.

Happy trails Dad, we love you, thank you, and miss you already!!!!